![Image of Gavino](/content/dam/pvs/ca/portals/75/images/student-spotlights/23-24/march/profile-TCAH-Gavino.jpg)
Student Spotlight: Gavino T.
When he was 11, Texas Connections Academy student Gavino Tragarz began a successful acting career. (You might have seen him in a TV commercial.) When Gavino was 3, however, professional acting was the furthest thing from his parents’ minds.
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight: Gavino T.
Still only in seventh grade, Gavino Tragarz has already had success as a professional actor. He’s appeared in multiple television commercials, landed voice-over jobs, and even been chosen for roles in movies.
![Image of Gavino](/content/dam/pvs/ca/portals/75/images/student-spotlights/23-24/march/modal-TCAH-Gavino.jpg)
Not long ago, however, Gavino’s family probably wasn’t thinking that their son would attempt something as challenging as acting — because at age three, Gavino had been diagnosed with borderline autism.
His parents were determined to do all they could. One focus: improving Gavino’s speech and emotional expression. Clearly it worked. Gavino’s strong communication skills, along with his personal drive and determination, “gave him the confidence to pursue acting.” His next project? Playing the lead role in Santa’s Enchanted Chimney. He even composed one of the songs!
“[I] love . . . [Texas Connections Academy @ Houston] because it allows [my] son to pursue acting professionally.”
- Marivel, Gavino’s mom
LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS
Ignite Your Child’s Passions With Texas Connections Academy
Change is everywhere. Since 2009, Texas Connections Academy has been helping students see change as an opportunity to become an adaptable learner, ready for whatever lies ahead. Over the past 14 years, we’ve developed a program that has ranked us second in online high schools in Texas and in the top 30 online high schools in the country.* It’s all thanks to our teachers, our parents and, most of all, our students.
Our tuition-free online public school offers students in grades 3–12 a safe, engaging environment where they can learn in the way that works best for them. Not only will your child gain the knowledge and confidence they need for assessments like the STARR test, they’ll build fundamental life skills they need to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As their Learning Coach, you’ll be by their side, supporting them along the way.
Helpful Links
Teaching students in grades 3-12
Tuition-free and high-quality
Winner, Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best in Public Schools & E-Learning*
*As voted by Houstonians.
ABOUT TEXAS CONNECTIONS ACADEMY
SEE HOW A TYPICAL LESSON WORKS FOR STUDENTS:
4th Grade Plant Structures - Sample Lessons
4th Grade Science
Plant Structures
Connections Academy 4th Grade Online Learning Unit | Plant Structures
2 min video
In this unit, Connections Academy online students explore how plants have adapted to their environments, diversifying and changing to thrive in all kinds of locations. Guided through a series of individual lessons that use dynamic text, video and audio, students enhance their critical thinking skills and their ability to make connections in the world.
3rd Grade Social Studies - Sample Lessons
3rd Grade Social Studies
The Environment
Connections Academy 3rd Grade Online Learning Unit | The Environment
2 min video
In this unit, Connections Academy online students take a virtual journey around the world, learning how geography and climate come together to create our environment. Guided through a series of individual lessons that use dynamic text, video and audio, students increase their understanding of science and why it matters to their life today and the world of tomorrow.
PARTNERS IN LEARNING
Connections Academy Reviews
There’s no better feeling than watching your child thrive. At Texas Connections Academy, we give you the opportunity to be your child’s learning coach so you can be a part of their successes. Here’s what other parents are saying about the experience.
96%
Of parents agree the curriculum is high-quality.
95%
Of parents agree their student is making good progress at Texas Connections Academy.
98%
Of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of teachers.
DAILY SCHOOL SCHEDULES
Finding the Right Path for Each Student
Learning is a personal journey and we take a flexible, individualized approach. However your child learns best, our teachers and curriculum will lead them forward.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails, autodialed marketing calls, and text messages from Connections Academy and other educational opportunities at the email address and phone number you provided and agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and acknowledge that you are at least 18 years of age. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time. If you do not consent, contact us for more details.